HOW REEF MINERAL SALT WORKS?
Aquaforest Reef Mineral Salt is a Sodium Chloride (NaCl) free sea salt. It contains all the other basic components found in natural seawater, such as Magnesium, Calcium, Potassium, Bromine, Fluorine, Barium, Iodine, and trace elements.
NaCl free salt is one of the most important components of the Balling method, and it plays a significant role when Calcium Chloride and Sodium Bicarbonate supplementation is in place.
It is a common misconception among reefers that administering NaCl free salt is primarily supposed to replenish trace elements. The main task of Sodium Chloride free salt is to maintain ionic balance of aquarium water.
This practice is based on an important discovery made by Prof William Dittmar, a chemical analyst, and the “rule of constant proportions”. He analysed water samples from oceans and seas around the globe and documented that the composition of natural sea water remains constant, even though the salinity varies.
So what is the significance of adding NaCl free salt when administering Calcium Chloride and Sodium Bicarbonate? Many marine organisms (e.g. hard corals) require Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3) to grow their calcareous structures. This crucial substance is insoluble in natural seawater, so one way to work around this problem is administration of Ca++ and HCO3 in the form of water-soluble Calcium Chloride (CaCl2) and Sodium Bicarbonate (NaHCO3). This method has a drawback though – in the form of unwanted NaCl: CaCl2 + 2NaHCO3 = > CaCO3 + 2NaCl +H2O +CO2
A lot of people assume that additional presence of Sodium Chloride is harmless, as long as salinity is maintained at the desired level. Salinity however is not just a measure of table salt in H2O. Magnesium sulphate, Calcium sulphate, Potassium sulphate, Magnesium chloride, Calcium chloride and Potassium chloride are actually salts too, so when Sodium and Chloride levels rise, the natural balance of major elements is shifted. Incidentally the salinity might remain stable, but only due to excessive presence of Sodium Chloride. In a closed aquarium ecosystem the impact of NaCl build-up might be significant.
Many aquarists mistakenly assume that this issue can be easily corrected by regular water changes. Keep in mind however, that the only way to revert to the original water parameters would be with a 100% water change, while hardly anyone is replacing more than 10% weekly.
The use of NaCl free salt is not so common any more, and application of the Balling method is often limited to 2 or sometimes 3 of its main components. This approach will probably not cause any problems for several weeks or even months, but in the meantime the chemical reactions that take place in the marine aquarium will lead to a deficit of trace elements. Balling “Two Part” or “Light” is gaining in popularity, but the truth is that the old, but revolutionary original method was much more effective when it comes to maintaining stable water parameters. Regular use of NaCl free salt is highly recommended to help address ionic imbalance issues in the long run.
Shipping
How is my order shipped and what does it cost?
Orders are shipped either by Courier [currently FedEX Ground] or Postal Service --- the choice is yours!
For delivery by Courier, you pay the actual charges based on a 1 kG package [2.2 lbs] shipped via ground service, plus a nominal $1.00 service charge to cover the cost of insurance and packing materials. We pay any additional charges.
For Postal Service (your best value), shipping on orders under $100.00 is $13.95 to most locations in Canada, exceptions noted below. For orders between $100.00 and $150.00 the rate is $9.95, for orders between $150.00 and $200.00 the rate is just $4.95 and for orders over $200.00 shipping is FREE. The more you order the more you save! The delivery standard for this service is between 1 to 7 business days between all major centers.
NOTE: Additional Shipping Charges apply to orders shipped to the NWT, YK, NU and some rural or remote locations in Canada as well as on over sized or heavy items indicated by the - Additional Shipping symbol.
The flat rate shipping cost used as well as our contribution towards that cost, is usually sufficient to cover the cost of shipping however if you are located in a remote or air stage area, additional shippings charges may apply. In those circumstances we'll contact you regarding any addtional cost so you can decide whether to proceed with your order or not. Otherwise we'll just get the order in its way to you.
When will my order be shipped?
On weekdays, in-stock merchandise is shipped the same day if received by 2:00 pm EST. Orders received after that, or on weekends or holidays, are shipped the next business day.
Do you ship to the US or to other International destinations?
Currently we are only shipping within Canada.
Returns
What if I want to return an item?
Should you find it necessary to return an item, please call us first. All returns should be properly packaged to avoid damage and should include all original boxes and paperwork to receive a refund, replacement or credit. Shipping fees are not refundable, unless, of course, you are returning defective merchandise or merchandise we sent in error.
What do I do if a product breaks or doesn't preform as promised?
Keep all warranties and owner's manuals you receive with your merchandise. In the event an item becomes defective or just doesn't live up to your expectations, please refer to the warranty information you received for proper handling procedures.